The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has officially postponed 24 Copa del Rey matches originally slated for Wednesday. This decision follows a devastating train collision in central Spain that resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, with officials warning that the total casualty figure may climb further. Approximately 80 people sustained injuries when a high-speed service struck the rear of another stationary train on the tracks. About 80 people were injured after a high-speed service slammed into the rear of another train that had stopped on the track.
Expressing profound shock, the RFEF stated they moved to reschedule these fixtures in solidarity with the victims. The governing body confirmed that the entire Spanish football community is united in grief and has offered its full assistance to authorities managing the aftermath of this tragedy. While Wednesday’s schedule is affected, first-round games set for Thursday remain unchanged, and the Spanish league has yet to announce any alterations to the weekend’s regular fixtures. According to authorities, The death toll could rise.
Impacted matches included scheduled encounters between Navalcarnero and Real Betis, Salamanca and Celta Vigo, and Tavernes and Valencia. Further details regarding the revised tournament calendar are expected to be provided by the federation at a later time.
Major football clubs have also issued messages of support. FC Barcelona shared a statement on social media expressing solidarity with the families and friends of the victims, while wishing those injured a swift recovery. Real Madrid similarly offered their condolences, noting they shared in the collective grief of those deeply affected by the event. In preparation for their match against Sporting de Hortaleza, Sevilla FC held a moment of silence during training and opted to cancel a news conference with manager Luis Garcia Plaza.
